I recall even just a year ago, this was such a huge day for remembrance. This was a day to pause for a moment to remember those brave Americans who died trying to save a strangers life. To remember the heroic men and women who ran towards a crumbling skyscraper. Those who left behind their loved ones just to reunite someone else with theirs. I still remember where I was and what I was doing when I heard the Twin Towers were going down. I still remember not fully understanding the gravity of the situation. I remember the solemn looks on my teachers faces as they tried to explain the magnitude of the event. While I didnt know anyone who was personally effected by the tragedy of this day not so many years ago, I still honor and respect those who will never again see their sister, brother, mother, father, wife, husband or best friend because of hate. Ignorance and hate are scary, strong emotions. They cause people to fight and focus on differences instead of celebrating them. Maybe I'm idealistic but I LOVE the fact that the world is so diverse and filled with so many opposing views. I would suffocate if everyone in the world thought, acted, and spoke the same. You don't have to agree with my point of view, or how I choose to live my life but must people hate one another for it?! Gay vs Straight, Republican vs Democrat, Muslim vs Christian, Black vs. White - to me it is all ridiculous. Hate has been the problem since the beginning of time, but never has it been the solution. Try love. Be love.

To those who choose love that day... I thank you. I salute you.9-11 Never Forgotten